Why Solo Travel?

For many, the idea of true solo travel is a challenging… if not scary… idea. The thought of traveling to a strange, new place alone can make us feel uncomfortable and lonely. But, once you step past that discomfort there is a whole new world to explore and many reasons to explore it solo.

• You can go where you want, whenever you want.

This may be the biggest reason that many people first choose to travel solo. When you solo travel, your agenda is your own and you are in complete control. Want to skip the museums for the day and just watch people go by from a cafe? Do it. Do you want to spend 5 hours (not recommended) exploring the Louvre? Do it.

• It’s great when you’re learning a language.

If you’ve taken the time to start learning a new language, traveling solo to a country where that language is spoken will give you a real chance to immerse yourself and get real practice speaking that language. While traveling with friends and family can be fun, they often provide a crutch for the language learning because there is nothing to force you to practice.

• You will learn to be independent.

Traveling alone teaches you to enjoy your own company and try things that you might not do for yourself otherwise. You will grow as a person and learn that you don’t always have to rely on other people.

• Your ability to get around in a new place will improve.

You will become more aware of your surroundings and develop a better sense of direction. When you’re alone in a new city, you have to be able to find things for yourself. Whether you’re navigating the Paris Metro for the first time or wandering the narrow, old streets of Florence, you’ll quickly find yourself finding your way home (or, to a small, neighborhood restaurant that you would have never found otherwise) all on your own.

• Eating alone won’t bother your anymore.

Many people view eating alone as sad and awkward. When you travel solo, you will get over that quickly and discover that it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious meal.

• You learn to not stand out too much.

We all know the stereotypical American family on a European vacation. As a solo traveler, you learn to blend in with the locals… or at least not stand out as being a tourist.T